V23 Testnet Switched, Mainnet Still on v22 β Is This Normal?
May 21, 2026 at 06:53 AM
If you open your Pi Node screen today, you'll see the node software is already v23. However, if you check the mainnet's protocol version on the Block Explorer, it still shows 22.
This is exactly the same as with V22 last time, and it's normal.
Data Observed by OrbitWatch Today
Node Software Version: v23 β Completed
Testnet Protocol: v23 β Switched
Mainnet Protocol: v22 β³ Not yet switched
The testnet is already running on v23, which is a crucial technical signal β it means the V23 protocol logic has been successfully verified in the test environment, and the mainnet switch is only a matter of time.
Why Hasn't the Mainnet Switched Yet?
This is related to the design of the Stellar Consensus Protocol (SCP), exactly like the situation with V22 last time.
Just because nodes have upgraded doesn't mean the mainnet protocol version will switch immediately. The on-chain protocol version switch requires consensus voting among nodes β it must wait until a sufficient proportion of nodes are running the new software before they all switch together. This process cannot be forcibly accelerated.
Reviewing the V22 timeline for reference:
V22 Node Deadline: April 27th
V22 Mainnet On-chain Confirmation: April 30th
Time Gap: 3 days
The V23 node deadline was May 19th, and today is May 21st, so 2 days have passed. The testnet has already switched, and the mainnet should follow soon.
What's the Significance of the Testnet Switching First?
There's a clear difference this time compared to V22: the testnet protocol has switched to v23 first.
During V22, the testnet and mainnet switched almost simultaneously, without this noticeable 'testnet running ahead' gap. This time, the testnet switching first means the Pi Core Team is letting the testnet run for a period for final verification before pushing the complete V23 protocol to the mainnet.
This is good for the mainnet β using the testnet as a buffer ensures no unexpected issues arise during the mainnet switch.
Practical Impact on Regular Miners
Miners not running a node: You don't need to do anything; just continue to await news of the mainnet protocol switch.
Miners running a node: If your node has already upgraded to v23, you are now in a normal waiting state for the mainnet switch and don't need to perform any additional actions.
OrbitWatch's Monitoring Commitment
Our Horizon API monitors the mainnet's protocol_version field every 15 minutes.
Once the mainnet switches from v22 to v23, this website will update immediately, so you don't need to constantly refresh the Block Explorer or community groups.
Just like when V22 switched, we will publish an on-chain confirmation article on the day of confirmation.
Data sources: Pi Network Horizon API (api.mainnet.minepi.com), Pi Network Block Explorer, direct observation of Pi Network node screen. All analyses do not constitute investment advice. OrbitWatch is an independent Pi Network ecosystem observatory and is not affiliated with the official Pi Network.
Key Points
- β’Pi Node software is v23, and the testnet protocol has switched to v23, but the mainnet protocol remains v22, which is a normal part of the upgrade process.
- β’The mainnet protocol switch relies on consensus voting among nodes and will occur once a sufficient proportion of nodes are running the new software, a process that cannot be forcibly accelerated.
- β’The testnet switching to v23 first, unlike the V22 upgrade, indicates the Pi Core Team is using it for final verification, which is a positive step to ensure a smooth mainnet transition.